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Earthworms

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Earthworms ingest soil that may contain animal and plant pathogens that could be

transported inside the worms, putting U.S. animals and plants at risk. In addition,

APHIS considers some exotic earthworms plant pests because they disrupt the soil

and may cause undesirable impacts on plant growth and diversity. Therefore, a PPQ

526 permit is required for the importation of earthworms into the United States from

any country. 

PPQ will only issue import permits for earthworms for U.S. environmental release

from countries that are free from foot-and mouth disease and African swine fever. A

PPQ 526 permit is not required for the domestic movement of earthworms within the

Continental U.S.; although, it may be required for movement to Hawaii, Puerto Rico,

U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Territories. State and Territory approval is also required

for all earthworm movement.

Apply for a Permit 

The PPQ 526 permit requires strict conditions for earthworm rearing and treatment

prior to shipment to the United States. Below are some of the earthworm permit

requirements: 
Earthworms must be reared on a diet free of soil or bedding containing

pathogens. The diet may contain paper pulp, sawdust, or pasteurized

vegetables (vegetables that have been held at a temperature of 180°F (830C)

for a minimum of 30 minutes).

At least 15 days prior to shipment, all imported earthworms must be placed on

a cleansing diet that is free of any materials that may contain plant or animal

pathogens.

At no time during the rearing or packaging process are earthworms to be fed

soil, uncooked or partially cooked vegetables.

At all times during the rearing operation, worms must be kept separated from

the ground by a heavy layer of plastic, fiberglass, metal, or other material that

is not biodegradable. 

PPQ officers may inspect shipments at any time to confirm the origin of the worms,

and their genus and species using morphological and/or molecular testing. Officers

may also confirm earthworm’s gut contents, check that no soil is present in the

shipping containers, and test for pathogens associated with or transported by

earthworms.

Receipt of a PPQ permit does not relieve the applicant from the obligation to comply

with regulations of other State and Federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service).

Earthworm rearing facilities can be inspected by USDA at any time. This inspection is

usually performed by USDA Foreign Service on behalf of APHIS.

General Information

Importation of powdered, frozen or freeze-dried earthworms, their castings, and

related products also require a permit. These products have the same restrictions

and requirements as importation of living earthworms.

Once imported, APHIS does not require permits for subsequent distribution of the

earthworms throughout the Continental U.S. Permits may be required for the

movement of earthworms from the Continental U.S. to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S.

Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Territories. In addition, States and Territories may also

regulate earthworms under their own statutes so you must also contact the State

Department of Agriculture in each State or Territory where you plan to distribute
them.

A USDA importation permit does not relieve you of your responsibility to comply with

other authorities that may regulate sales and release of earthworms. 

Information about Shipping Requirements and Red and White Labels

Information about Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions 

View a list of the commonly asked questions and concerns associated with the

application process for importation of earthworms.

Contact

For questions about permits for regulated organisms and soil:

Pest Permits Team

Email: pest.permits@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-2285

Alt-Phone: 866-524-5421